Barcelona extends LaLiga lead to seven points

Barcelona have extended their lead of the LaLiga to seven points after beating Osasuna 2-0 on Saturday.

Seven weeks ago Barcelona trailed Real Madrid by five points after a 2-1 defeat in El Clasico, but now find themselves seven points clear after winning seven consecutive league games.

However, Real Madrid can reduce the deficit to four points if they win at Alaves on Sunday.

As defensive as Osasuna were, they did pose a threat on the counter-attack. Minutes into the second half Victor Munoz powered past Alejandro Balde only to fire wide with just home goalkeeper Joan Garcia to beat.

Barcelona’s dominance was finally rewarded when Pedri drove forward from midfield, found Raphinha and he finished past Sergio Herrera.

Having ended the visitors’ resistance, the 28-year-old made sure of the success in the final moments with a simple tap-in.

Raphinha’s second-half double powered Barcelona over a stubborn Osasuna.

It looked set to be a frustrating evening for the defending champions, who had 21 shots to three for Osasuna until the Brazilian forward struck the opening blow in the 70th minute.

Read also: Calvin Bassey on target in Burnley vs Fulham five goals thriller

Raphinha found the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area before converting at the back post in the 86th minute when a cross deflected into his path.

Ferran Torres thought he had broken the deadlock in the 23rd minute when he beat the offside trap and headed in a Marcus Rashford cross.

However, the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled out the goal because Raphinha’s heel was offside during a short-corner routine in the build-up.

Torres then went close when he met Lamine Yamal’s dangerous inswinging cross, but the former Manchester City forward lifted his first-time effort over the crossbar.

Seyi John Salau is a BusinessDay Correspondent with interest in development journalism, which tells stories that connect the people, brands, and the government. SeyiJohn is also a media professional with BSc, Mass Communition (ACU); Masters of School Media (MSM, Ibadan) & MSc, Mass Communication (Caleb).

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date